Whether taking a relaxing bath or enjoying a scented massage, aromatherapy can decrease stress and boost mood. It can also be used to help a patient sleep or manage pain.
However, aromatherapy has its risks. Some essential oils are flammable, cause skin irritability or can be toxic with risk of chemical burn or oral toxicity.
History
The use of aromatic botanicals and oils for psychological and physical well-being dates back thousands of years. Inhalation of the scents is a popular form of aromatherapy that can be used in conjunction with massage, as well as in baths and other personal applications.
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates documented the therapeutic properties of aromatic plant essential oils in his writings, indicating that aromatic baths and scented massage were the best way to maintain health and promote healing. The enduring appeal of aromatherapy is evident in Ayurveda’s rich fragrance heritage and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also recognise the healing powers of aromatic plants.
French perfumer and chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse coined the term “aromatherapy” in his 1937 book, which outlined his use of lavender oil to treat burns he suffered during a laboratory accident. This paved the way for modern scientific research into the healing effects of essential oils and their many uses. Today, modern rediscovery and scientific inquiry continue to shape aromatherapy’s future as a comprehensive healing practice.
Techniques
Aromatherapy employs a holistic approach to healing that addresses imbalances in the physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of well-being. It is a complementary therapy to help relieve stress and anxiety, ease pain, soothe headaches and promote restful sleep.
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants that contain a volatile aroma. They are extracted in several ways, including steam distillation and cold-pressing (citrus fruits). The best quality therapeutic oils are obtained by distillation or pressing, which ensures the purity and potency of the oil.
When inhaled, the aroma of an oil stimulates your nervous system. This triggers a chain reaction that sends signals to your brain and causes chemical responses throughout your body.
It is recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before beginning a treatment with aromatherapy. Find out if it is appropriate for your unique situation, and how to properly use it at home. Identify a champion who will take a clinical aromatherapy practitioner course to lead and mentor nurses.
Oils
Aromatherapy uses oils, which are pure plant extracts with unique aromatic chemicals. They’re usually obtained through steam distillation, although some manufacturers use other chemical methods.
When you inhale an oil’s scent, the molecules move into your nose and are detected by special cells called olfactory receptors. These send messages to areas of your brain that regulate body functions, like mood and stress.
A few studies suggest that smelling certain scents might reduce stress and anxiety, but the research is inconclusive. This is partly due to the challenge of conducting blinded trials, and also because of a phenomenon known as expectancy bias. This happens when participants in a study believe that an oil will help them relax, and then perceive themselves as calmer even if the oil doesn’t affect their physiological responses to brief psychological stress.
An aromatherapist may mix essential oils with a “carrier” oil, such as olive, jojoba or coconut oil, to make them safe for topical application. Some people apply the mixture to skin using a vaporizer or an oil diffuser; others stick the oils on an aromatherapy necklace, bracelet or keychain and sniff them throughout the day.
Safety
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic if not used properly. They must be diluted before applying to the skin. Aromatherapists must also be aware of the chemistry of their oils and know how to test them.
It is best to use distilled, cold-pressed and organically grown oils that are high in therapeutic value. Oils purchased in health food stores or in some regular supermarkets may not be pure enough for therapeutic purposes and may contain contaminants.
Avoid using any oil that is considered “necessary to cause dermal toxicity,” including wormwood, pennyroyal, garlic, wintergreen and sassafras. Also, be careful not to combine essential oils that have been oxidized, as they can create secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde, which is known to irritate noses, throats and eyes.
Avoid using aromatherapy on infants and children, as there is not enough clinical research to support their safe use. Practitioners should follow safety guidelines for dilution and application, and be familiar with any emmenagogue or abortifacient properties of the oils they are using.
